James Stearns

James Russell Stearns, 62, passed away Monday, December 24, 2012 at St. Vincent Healthcare in Billings, Montana. He was born May 24, 1950 in Billings, the son of Russell M. and Laury Ann (King) Stearns. He attended West High School and EMC. Jim enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1969 and served during the Vietnam era. He received a Rifle Expert Badge and because of his high score, he won his dress blues uniform. He was a Platoon Honorman, received the Blues Award, and earned the Jr. Small Bore and Pro Marksman 1st Class 50' Award, National Defense, Vietnam Service and Good Conduct medals. Jim returned to Billings where he worked as a cabinet maker, was a Master Tile Setter and owned his own business, Stearns Tile and Design. With a love for the Montana outdoors, Jim enjoyed hunting, camping, sailing and fishing. He was an avid reader. Jim is survived by his children, Erika (Justin) Strecker and Brooke (Robert) Jones, all of Billings; grandchildren, Logan, Nichole, Mikalyn, Taelar, Aedan and Evan; sisters, Shonna (Jack Bykonich) Stearns and Lorna Freeman; numerous nieces and nephews; aunts Rachael Kay Koory and Elinor Collins. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Darla Stearns. Memorial Services will be 1:30 p.m. Friday, January 4, 2013 at Dahl Funeral Chapel. Burial of ashes will be in the Yellowstone County Veterans Cemetery with full military honors.